Hello,Computer novice grade question. I have hated this Compaq CQ50 keyboard from the day I purchased the computer. The touch pad and my clumsy fingers do not get along. Lately the Delete key went into hibernation.The touch pad has a "double touch" indentation that turns it off.If I lay a replacement (full size) keyboard atop a turned off keyboard will the replacement function?Also with regard to a trackball would it be dumb and make this laptop even uglier and attach a side platform and velcro a full size trackball onto the platform? It's going to use 2 USB 2 ports but maybe I can connect a multi-port USB hub and get over it?Yeah it's going to be uglier than a mile of mud fence but maybe I can come up with an easy way to slip the overlay keyboard and trackball off the original keyboard before I slam the lid shut.Thanks For Responding

You can get a wireless keyboard that you can lay anywhere, just put a little pushy thing in the USB port and then you can get a wireless mouse of whatever size you want with the same pushy thing. You can get them at AMAZON or WALMART or wherever.Something like this.

Merrykalia wrote:You can get a wireless keyboard that you can lay anywhere, just put a little pushy thing in the USB port and then you can get a wireless mouse of whatever size you want with the same pushy thing. You can get them at AMAZON or WALMART or wherever.Something like this. I love it....."little pushy thing" ...in the tech section....ROL ROLOkay --- I agree with Merrykalia.......look for those wireless keyboards and mice most anywhere....I found mine at Best Buy. :)

I actually carry a wireless keyboard/mouse with me when traveling on business. This allows me to convert the laptop into a mini desktop. I prop my laptop up so the LCD screen is more at eye level, and less of a strain on my neck. You can get an inexpensive riser such as the Fellows above at Staples. Or just use a book. Finally, a practical use for the Yellow pages? Just get a USB wireless keyboard/mouse combo. You don't need to install any drivers if you have a recent OS from the past ten years. I prefer Logitech wireless which encrypts all keystrokes before transmitting, as does Microsoft and a few others. Personally, I use Bluetooth combo for my laptop, so no extra transmitter required, but tends to cost more. USB wireless is less of a hassle, and easier overall.

I got my Microsoft wireless keyboards and mice from Goodwill. Really cheap and they work well.

I use a few logitech trackballs which I have found to be quite handy to use. don't know if I would go wireless on the keyboard as either way will use up one USB port. bumpy

Laptop Want Wireless Keyboard With Trackball | Good Sam Community

Merrykalia
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
You can get a wireless keyboard that you can lay anywhere, just put a little pushy thing in the USB port and then you can get a wireless mouse of whatever size you want with the same pushy thing.

You can get them at AMAZON or WALMART or wherever.

Something like this.
amandasgramma
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
Merrykalia wrote:
You can get a wireless keyboard that you can lay anywhere, just put a little pushy thing in the USB port and then you can get a wireless mouse of whatever size you want with the same pushy thing.

You can get them at AMAZON or WALMART or wherever.

Something like this.
I love it....."little pushy thing" ...in the tech section....ROL ROL

Okay --- I agree with Merrykalia.......look for those wireless keyboards and mice most anywhere....I found mine at Best Buy. :)
1492
Moderator
Sep 23, 2014
I actually carry a wireless keyboard/mouse with me when traveling on business. This allows me to convert the laptop into a mini desktop.

I prop my laptop up so the LCD screen is more at eye level, and less of a strain on my neck. You can get an inexpensive riser such as the Fellows above at Staples. Or just use a book. Finally, a practical use for the Yellow pages?

Just get a USB wireless keyboard/mouse combo. You don't need to install any drivers if you have a recent OS from the past ten years. I prefer Logitech wireless which encrypts all keystrokes before transmitting, as does Microsoft and a few others. Personally, I use Bluetooth combo for my laptop, so no extra transmitter required, but tends to cost more. USB wireless is less of a hassle, and easier overall.
2Macs
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
I got my Microsoft wireless keyboards and mice from Goodwill. Really cheap and they work well.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
I use a few logitech trackballs which I have found to be quite handy to use. don't know if I would go wireless on the keyboard as either way will use up one USB port.
bumpy
bcsdguy
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
It's funny, that the touch pad was put on laptops to get rid of the mouse but the mouse is such a natural input device that most people use it exclusively. The only time you need the touch pad is if your mouse is gone, broken, or otherwise unavailable.
vic46
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
Logitech has many wireless keyboard and mouse combos. Only uses one USB port. I have used the same combo for just about 10 years. Probably less than $100.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
MW wants a trackball, not a mouse.
bumpy
8_1_Van
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014

Wireless Compact Keyboard with Optical Trackball and Scroll Wheel

$31.99 with free shipping
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
looks great and spend $4 more and get free shipping.
bumpy